It was probably as good as it will ever get in Rhuthun. And actually better than in some previous years. But disappointing nevertheless. We’re referring to last last night’s late opening.
The streets didn’t seem busy at all (other than with considerably more cars) and there was nothing like the turn out at Dinbych the week before. But those shops that opened—and there were many of them—saw encouraging if steady custom, at least in the early part of the evening. It was OK rather than outstanding. We cannot substantiate a report that some shops closed earlier than the advertised 8p.m. Some car parks were full-ish—but this did include restaurant goers. And, this year, the weather was reasonable, even if there were a couple of sharp showers.
The real disappointment was the numbers who were shopping not in town but at Tesco. Tesco's is open till 10p.m. six nights a week; the town opens till 8p.m. but once year. Are people voting with their feet?
The town's new lights were due on at 4.30p.m. but, aside from the Square, they were already on beforehand. On the Square, there was a small choir (and a waiting brass band) with a modest crowd of admirers as the mayor threw the switch. St Peter’s Square is certainly a masterpiece of light this year. That crowd had pretty much dispersed by 4.50. Perhaps as well, as there was a downpour at 5.
The roadworks that have blighted Clwyd Street since Monday finished slightly later than anticipated but well ahead of the afternoon and evening session. Had they been in place, how ironic that would’ve been—especially since the advertising campaign had focused on no street closures.
Christmas in Rhuthun continues today with a seasonal produce market, 10 per cent off at many shops*, and free parking all day—something that Dinbych has not offered.
* You'll need a voucher. Some conditions apply
The streets didn’t seem busy at all (other than with considerably more cars) and there was nothing like the turn out at Dinbych the week before. But those shops that opened—and there were many of them—saw encouraging if steady custom, at least in the early part of the evening. It was OK rather than outstanding. We cannot substantiate a report that some shops closed earlier than the advertised 8p.m. Some car parks were full-ish—but this did include restaurant goers. And, this year, the weather was reasonable, even if there were a couple of sharp showers.
The real disappointment was the numbers who were shopping not in town but at Tesco. Tesco's is open till 10p.m. six nights a week; the town opens till 8p.m. but once year. Are people voting with their feet?
The town's new lights were due on at 4.30p.m. but, aside from the Square, they were already on beforehand. On the Square, there was a small choir (and a waiting brass band) with a modest crowd of admirers as the mayor threw the switch. St Peter’s Square is certainly a masterpiece of light this year. That crowd had pretty much dispersed by 4.50. Perhaps as well, as there was a downpour at 5.
The roadworks that have blighted Clwyd Street since Monday finished slightly later than anticipated but well ahead of the afternoon and evening session. Had they been in place, how ironic that would’ve been—especially since the advertising campaign had focused on no street closures.
Christmas in Rhuthun continues today with a seasonal produce market, 10 per cent off at many shops*, and free parking all day—something that Dinbych has not offered.
* You'll need a voucher. Some conditions apply
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Shops